Befriending Week 2026

Celebrate the power of social connection this Befriending Week 

This November, we’re supporting Befriending Week, an annual campaign to raise awareness about befriending and highlight the power of social connection in reducing loneliness and social isolation. 

Loneliness affects 1 in 6 people across the world. Befriending brings people together for planned social activities, building meaningful connections and reducing loneliness. 

Befriending Week takes place from 1st to 7th November every year. It’s a chance for communities to raise awareness about befriending, celebrate the contributions of befriending volunteers and the staff who support them, and advocate for befriending to local and national decision-makers. 

At Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough we know how vital it is for the well-being of older people to have befriending services available.  

What Befriending Services do we provide? 

Friendship Clubs

Friendship Clubs are volunteer lead and offer a place for older people to meet up, have access to information and advice and other community activities such as day trips and outings but most importantly, a place to chat and enjoy each other’s company.   

Sharing Time

Sharing Time is a befriending service, delivered by volunteers in the home or by telephone call. It is a service for older people, who find themselves to be isolated for reasons such as a decline in health, which can prevent individuals from socialising with others. Volunteers visit or call on a regular basis, enjoying a cup of tea and chat, enabling a friendship to form. Our aim is to ensure that both the older person and volunteer can engage and benefit from the friendship in a positive way. 

Day Services

Our services assist older people to maintain their independence by offering the opportunity for social interaction and providing a secure, enjoyable and stimulating environment. Our services also provide essential respite for families and caregivers, ensuring that they have the support they need. 

Enabling Connections

Our new goal focused befriending service is called Enabling Connections. It offers short term support for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough residents aged 65 and over who are experiencing loneliness or social isolation, or who have become disconnected from their community following a life change. 
 
The service offers free, volunteer-led support for up to six months, We will work with you to set achievable goals and help people build confidence, reconnect with others and become more involved in their local community. 

Care home befriending

Our brand new Care Home Befriending Service has been launched to help tackle loneliness and social isolation among care home residents. 

Ways you can get involved 

Volunteer 

Looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in your community? Why not consider volunteering with your local charity? 

At Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, we have a variety of volunteering opportunities available, with roles to suit different interests, skills and availability. Whether you have a little time to spare or are looking for a regular commitment, volunteering is a fantastic way to support older people, meet new people and make a positive difference. 

Interested in getting involved? Get in touch with our team to find the volunteering role that’s right for you. 

📧 Email: volunteering@ageukcap.org.uk 

📞 Call: 01223 221925 

Check In on a Family Member, Friend or Neighbour 

Is there an older person in your life you haven’t checked in on for a while? Whether it’s a family member, friend or neighbour, a simple phone call or visit can mean more than you might realise. 

Loneliness and social isolation can have a significant impact on older people, but small acts of kindness can help someone feel more connected and supported. Even a 30-minute phone call could brighten someone’s day and remind them that someone cares. 

If you’re unsure how to start a conversation or keep it flowing, we have just the resource to help! Download and print our Conversation Fortune Teller, a fun and interactive activity filled with questions designed to spark conversation, encourage reminiscing and help you get to know each other a little better. 

Every Little Action Makes a Difference 

Making a difference doesn’t have to involve grand gestures or a huge time commitment. Sometimes, it’s the smallest acts of kindness that have the biggest impact. Whether you choose to volunteer your time, pop round for a chat or simply pick up the phone to check on someone, you can help older people feel valued, connected and less alone. 

This week, why not take that first step? Reach out to someone, explore a volunteering opportunity or share these ideas with others in your community. Together, we can help create a more connected, caring community where older people feel supported, included and never forgotten.